Masari for Windows is a free, open-source full node and wallet for people who want private, untraceable transfers and direct control over their own funds. It suits users who prefer running their own node over trusting a third-party service, and it ships as a Windows build or installer.
Before you install, note that the last code update to the project was on October 8, 2022, more than three years ago. Masari should be treated as an unmaintained project, so weigh that carefully against its privacy features before storing funds in it. This page covers what the program does, how to install it, what hardware it needs, and how it compares with similar Monero-style tools.
What Is Masari and Who Is It For?
Masari is a privacy-focused digital currency and the software that runs it. The program combines a full node, which keeps a complete copy of the blockchain and checks every transaction, with a wallet that holds your keys. Because it is a fork of Monero, its goal is transfers that stay private unless you decide otherwise.
The typical reader wants to control their own money without depending on a bank or exchange. A freelancer who prefers that clients cannot see their full earnings history, or a privacy enthusiast who wants to learn how a Monero-style network works, would both find it relevant. Someone who only needs a quick way to send money may find a simpler hosted wallet more practical.
Why Run a Full Node Instead of a Light Wallet?
A full node downloads and verifies the whole blockchain on your own computer. Instead of asking a remote server whether a transaction is valid, you check it yourself against the network's rules. That independence is the main reason many users prefer running a node.
The tradeoff is time and storage. The first sync can take hours depending on your connection and hardware, and the node works best when it stays open in the background. If you need to send a payment quickly, a light wallet may feel easier, but a node lets you verify the network yourself.
Each independent node is another copy of the ledger that others can check against. For a privacy-focused coin, that matters because your queries go to your own machine rather than to a third party.
Key Terms: Seed Phrases, Mining Algorithms and Hashrate
A seed phrase is a list of words that can restore your wallet on another device. Anyone who has it can spend your funds, so write it on paper, store it offline and never share it. A wallet backup protects you only if the seed phrase is also kept safe.
The mining algorithms listed for this project are SHA-256 and CryptoNight. They describe how miners compete to add blocks. SHA-256 is the hashing method used by Bitcoin, while CryptoNight is a memory-oriented algorithm associated with Monero-style networks.
Hashrate measures how many hash calculations a device performs each second. It is useful when comparing mining hardware, but a high hashrate does not guarantee any particular result, since outcomes depend on network conditions and costs.
Key features
Untraceable Transfers
Self-Custody With Your Own Node
Windows Build or Installer
Open-Source Code Under BSD-3-Clause
Ledger Hardware Wallet Support
Supported coins
The project documentation mentions Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR) as coins and networks in its context. On the mining side, the listed algorithms are SHA-256 and CryptoNight. Hardware wallet support is listed for Ledger devices, which lets you keep signing keys off your computer.
How to install Masari on Windows
- 1
Get the Installer From the Official Source
Download only from the official website or the project's GitHub Releases page at github.com/masari-project/masari. Avoid mirrors, file-sharing links and downloads shared in forums or chat groups.
- 2
Verify the SHA-256 Checksum
Compare the file's SHA-256 hash with the value published alongside the release. In PowerShell, run Get-FileHash on the downloaded file. If the hashes do not match, delete the file and download it again. Check for a signature if one is provided.
- 3
Run the Installer or Extract the Binaries
Launch the installer and follow the prompts, or extract the Windows build into a folder you control. Choose a drive with enough free space, because the blockchain takes up storage that grows over time.
-
Start the Node and Let It Sync
On first launch, allow the node to download and verify the blockchain. This can take a long time, so keep the computer powered and connected. Do not force-close the program during sync, and wait until the node reports that it is up to date before sending transactions.
System requirements
- About 2 GB of RAM and one CPU core, the baseline the project describes for running the node
How to use Masari
Once Masari is installed and verified, the basic workflow is simple, but it rewards patience.
- Launch Masari and let the node sync fully before you rely on your balance.
- Create a new wallet and write down the seed phrase on paper, then store it offline.
- Confirm that the wallet shows the expected sync status before receiving funds.
- Send a small test transfer to an address you control to learn how fees and confirmations appear.
- Keep regular backups of the wallet files in a separate, secure location.
- Close the program properly so the node and wallet can save their state.
Pros & cons
- Free to download, with open-source code under BSD-3-Clause
- Privacy-focused transfers modeled on the Monero design
- Runs as a regular Windows program without a Linux environment
- Ledger hardware wallet support is listed
- Running your own node removes reliance on a third-party server
- The last code update was on October 8, 2022, so recent fixes are unlikely
- Development activity is no longer visible, which adds risk for long-term use
- The first blockchain sync takes time and keeps the computer busy
Is Masari safe?
Masari handles keys and funds, so the usual rules apply strictly. Download only from the official website or the project's GitHub repository, and verify the SHA-256 checksum before running anything. Never type your seed phrase into a website, app or chat that offers recovery help, because legitimate software does not ask for it outside your own wallet.
The project's last code update was in October 2022, so known vulnerabilities may not have been patched. Treat it as higher risk than actively maintained software. Test with small amounts first, and avoid holding large sums in it.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/masari-project/masari. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
Masari sits in the same family as Monero CLI and Aeon, which both build on Monero's privacy design. Monero CLI is a console daemon and wallet for Monero itself, so it suits users who want the original network rather than a fork. Aeon is described as a lightweight fork of Monero, which may appeal to those who prefer a smaller footprint.
Zano is a separate privacy coin with its own network, so it is a different choice rather than a close relative. Dogecoin Core and Litecoin Core are full nodes for transparent blockchains, where transactions are publicly visible. If privacy is your priority, Masari and its Monero-style peers are the closer match.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- BSD-3-Clause
- Latest version
- v0.3.1.3
- Last update
- 8 Oct 2022
- Windows support
- Yes (Windows build or installer)
- Source code
- github.com/masari-project/masari
Frequently asked questions
Masari can be used safely only with basic precautions. Download it from the official source, verify the SHA-256 checksum and never enter your seed phrase on third-party sites. Because the project has not been updated since 2022, treat it as higher risk than actively maintained software and start with small amounts.
No, not in an active sense. The most recent code update in the project repository is dated October 8, 2022, which is more than three years ago. Do not expect recent fixes or new features, and weigh that before storing funds in it.
Yes. Masari is listed as free, and its source code is available under the BSD-3-Clause license. You should not need to pay to get the Windows build. Be cautious of sites that ask for payment, since they are not the project's own distribution channels.
The project describes a baseline of one CPU core and about 2 GB of RAM for running the node. Systems with less memory may slow down during the initial sync, so close other heavy programs while it runs. Actual performance depends on the rest of your hardware.
Yes, Ledger is listed as a supported hardware wallet for Masari. Using one keeps your signing keys on a separate device, which helps if your PC is infected with malware. Follow Ledger's own documentation for connecting the device.
No. Masari is a fork of Monero, so it shares much of the same codebase and privacy approach, but it runs as a separate network with its own coin. Its transactions and wallets are not interchangeable with Monero, so treat the two as different projects.
Masari is primarily a node and wallet, and its listed mining algorithms are SHA-256 and CryptoNight. Mining results depend on your hardware, electricity costs and network conditions. Never assume guaranteed income from mining.
Verdict
Masari suits users who want a Windows node and wallet built on Monero's privacy design and who are comfortable with an unmaintained project. Its open-source code, free download and Ledger support make it useful for study and experimentation. However, the October 2022 update date is a serious limitation for holding real funds. If you need active development, look at Monero CLI or other actively supported options in this catalog. Before installing, check the latest version on the official website.